Gospel in Art: Feast of Saint Agnes, Virgin & Martyr

Saint Agnes, by Simon Vouet, 1626 © Sotheby's London, 8 December 2021, lot 16, sold £378,000

Source: Christian Art

Gospel of 21 January 2025
Mark 2:23-28

One Sabbath the Lord was going through the cornfields, and as they made their way, his disciples began to pluck ears of corn. And the Pharisees were saying to him, 'Look, why are they doing what is not lawful on the Sabbath?' And he said to them, 'Have you never read what David did, when he was in need and was hungry, he and those who were with him: how he entered the house of God, in the time of Abiathar the high priest, and ate the bread of the Presence, which it is not lawful for any but the priests to eat, and also gave it to those who were with him?' And he said to them, 'The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. So the Son of Man is lord even of the Sabbath.'

Reflection on the painting

Yesterday, we celebrated the feast of Saint Sebastian, and today we honour Saint Agnes (291-304 AD), another martyr who was killed in Rome during the persecution under Emperor Diocletian in 304 AD. Simon Vouet (1590-1649) portrays her here holding her traditional attribute, a lamb (agnus in Latin), symbolising both her name and her virginal innocence, alongside a palm branch representing her martyrdom. A native of Rome, Saint Agnes is still deeply venerated in the city. She and her fellow virgin martyr, Saint Catherine of Alexandria, were significant figures in early Christianity and often painted together. It is likely that this painting was originally part of a pair, with Agnes gazing towards a companion canvas featuring Saint Catherine.

Legend describes Saint Agnes as a beautiful young woman from a wealthy Roman family, whose hand in marriage was highly sought after. Her suitors, angered by her steadfast devotion to God (she is said to have replied to their advances with the words, "Jesus Christ is my only Spouse") reported her to the Roman authorities as a Christian. At just 13 years old (!), she died a virgin-martyr on 21 January 304 AD, leaving behind a legacy of courage and faith.

Despite threats of torture and death, Agnes remained steadfast, her youthful courage astonishing even her executioners. Legend says that when she was sentenced to die, the flames of the stake parted around her, leaving her untouched, until she was ultimately martyred by the sword. Her purity and faith inspired generations, and to this day, a lamb is blessed in her honour in Rome each year, Saint Agnes, pray for us!

LINKS

Gospel in Art: https://christian.art/
Today's Reflection: https://christian.art/daily-gospel-reading/mark-2-23-28-2025/